coexist with

Coyotes
RON JAMES / FLICKR

If you live in North Carolina, you’ve probably seen a coyote, or know someone who has. The animal’s
unique ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats, including suburban environments, along with rapid
human population growth across the state, has led to an increase in sightings. While in most cases
coyotes are harmless, people can take steps to prevent conflicts with these animals.

MATT KNOTH / FLICKR

Coyote Quick Facts:
Where did coyotes come from?
Coyotes were once found only in the mid-western portion
of North America. But as Europeans settled across the
country, subsequent landscape changes, coupled with
elimination of wolves, allowed the coyote to expand its
range toward the eastern United States. By the 1980s
coyotes started to appear in western North Carolina as a
result of natural range expansion from our neighboring
states. Coyotes are now established in all 100 counties of
North Carolina and live in many towns.
What do coyotes look like?
Often described as a “mangy-looking dog,” coyotes weigh
20 – 45 pounds ( similar to a mid-sized dog ) with, typically,
reddish to dark gray thick fur. They have long slender snouts,
a bushy tail, and pointed ears.
Do they make noise?
Yes, coyotes howl. While some find it unnerving, this howl
serves many purposes, none of which are malicious. If you
hear a family of coyotes howling, it is easy to think that the
area is overflowing with coyotes. In reality, there are usually
only 2 – 6 coyotes, including the pups.
Will coyotes attack me or my child?
Attacks on people, including children, are extremely rare.
Normal coyote behavior is to be curious, but wary, when
close to humans. Like other wildlife, they will become bold
and habituated if people feed them, either purposely or
inadvertently, such as with garbage or outdoor pet food.
They rarely contract rabies.
Will coyotes attack my pet?
Possibly. Coyotes view outdoor cats and small unleashed
dogs as prey, while larger dogs are viewed as threats to
their territory and /or their pups. Coyotes are most likely to
confront larger dogs during the mating and pup birthing
period, January through June.
What should I do if I see a coyote?
Simply seeing a coyote is not cause for alarm. If you see a
coyote frequently, you and your neighbors should take
steps to prevent conflicts with it and other wildlife.

Preventing Conflicts with Coyotes
• Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids,
and take them out in the morning of pick up, not
the night before. Coyotes and other wildlife will
scavenge trash.
• Don’t feed or try to pet coyotes. Feeding a coyote
rewards that animal for coming in close proximity to
people. Once a coyote becomes habituated, it loses
its natural wariness of people and may become
bold and aggressive.
• Protect your pets by keeping them inside, leashed,
or inside a fenced area.
• Install coyote-proof fencing around your home to
protect unsupervised pets.
If you already have a
problem with a coyote:
• Contact a Wildlife Damage Control Agent, a
private individual who charges for his/her
services. A list is available at ncwildlife.org
under “Have a Wildlife Problem.”
• Contact a licensed trapper during the regulated
trapping season. See the list at ncwildlife.org
under “Have a Wildlife Problem.”
• Coyotes can be hunted year-round using fire-
arms and archery equipment. However, check
to see if local ordinances restrict the discharge
of firearms. A landowner can shoot a coyote in
the act of causing damage.
For answers to questions and technical guidance on
addressing coyote concerns on your property call
866-318-2401 or 919-707-4011.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, N.C. 27606
BRYCE BRADFORD / FLICKR
• Feed pets indoors or remove food when your pet is
finished eating outside. Coyotes and other wildlife
are attracted to pet food left outdoors.
• Keep bird-feeder areas clean. Use bird feeders that
keep seed off the ground. Coyotes are attracted to
small animals congregating on the ground. If coyotes
are frequently seen, remove all feeders.
• Close off crawl spaces under sheds and porches.
Coyotes and other wildlife may use these spaces for
resting and raising young.
• Cut back brushy edges in your yard, which provide
cover for coyotes.
• Don’t be intimidated by a coyote. Maintain its wari­-
ness by throwing a small object, such as a tennis
ball, at it, making a loud noise, or spraying it with a
hose. Let it know it is unwelcome near your home.
• Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees. Coyotes are
omnivorous and regularly consume fruit as part of
their diet.
• Educate your neighbors. Your efforts to prevent
coyote conflicts will be less effective if some neigh-
bors are still providing foods.
• Allow hunters or trappers access to your property,
so the local coyote population can be managed.
Coyotes avoid areas in which threats are perceived.
JIM CULP / FLICKR